NGO to work for two-party system

 

(Daily Express) – A group of concerned citizens have formed Sabah Democracy (Desah), an ad-hoc committee, to promote straight fights between political parties in the 13th General Election.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Simon Sipaun said straight fights are important for the establishment of a two-party system and the election of representatives truly by the majority vote.

“Desah notes that past experience indicates too many multi-cornered contests during general elections, thus these did not produce the desired results of electing candidates with majority support, and could be quite confusing to the voters.

“It produced lop-sided results in the sense that the elected representatives were voted in by the minority rather then the majority,” he said during the launch of Desah on Monday here.

Sipaun, however conceded that not all political parties will ultimately agree to a two-party system but argued it is a far better alternative than that linked to religion or race.

“As you know this country is highly politicised in terms of religion and race and we feel that it is not a correct political direction in the long run for the country.

“So we propose that a two-party system is a better alternative É we should concentrate more on a one-on-one election contests,” he said.

Desah, he said is non-partisan and non-religious, and has set its sights on convincing at least a third of the parliamentary seats and a portion of the State Assembly seats to opt for straight fights.

He said one way would be to create awareness among public to help them pressure local parties to opt for one-on-one election tussles.

He said as part of the effort there will be simulated-elections in selected constituencies to gauge popularity, candidate debates and a voting rights awareness campaign.

“These exercises can assist to deter fraud and promote clean, free and fair elections.

“These include conducting professional training headed by our consultant, Ong Boon Keong, who has international experience in election observing.

“And we also hope that the mock election in selected constituencies would be a good venue to show off candidates’ popularity and a platform to show their leadership.

“The people, meanwhile, could evaluate their leaders who will represent them in parliament,” Sipaun added.

He said Desah has already approached the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and State Reform Party (Star) and has received an overwhelming response.

“They actually say that this is what they really wanted. Usno has also approached us but they are still not registered,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to its deputy chairman, Michael Liew, Desah would go to at least 1,000 houses on a house-to-house campaign in each constituency. He said the people would then be invited to attend the candidates’ debate and a simulated election thereafter.

Desah was first initiated by Malaysian Civil Liberties Moverment (MCLM) Sabah Chapter leader, Michael Liew, who is Desah Deputy Chairman.

Other members include, Anthony Lim (treasurer), Andrew Tuining (Secretary), Chris Lebroi, Victor Chew and SM Muthu.

Meanwhile its consultant, Ong Boon Keong, who is from Penang, is from the Malaysian Election Observers Network Group (Meo-Net).

Among those present at the event were blogger Ronnie Klassen, local entertainer, Atama, and other local figures.